Halloween is pure magic for kids—imagination, costumes, and a pillowcase full of treasure. But for families managing food allergies or sensory needs, October 31 can feel tricky. Good news: you can keep the treats and ditch the tricks (the scary kind, at least). This friendly guide shows you how to celebrate safely, spotlighting the Teal Pumpkin movement—the global push for offering non-food treats so every child can join the fun.

Whether you’re taking little goblins door-to-door, hosting a party, or handing out goodies at home, here’s how to make your Halloween safe, inclusive, and totally unforgettable.

What Does the Teal Pumpkin Mean?

A teal pumpkin on a porch (or a teal sign in the window) signals an allergy-friendly stop. It means the home offers non-food treats—think stickers, glow sticks, chalk—not just candy. This helps kids with food allergies, diabetes, celiac disease, or dietary restrictions, as well as kids who use feeding tubes or simply prefer non-edibles.

Fast facts to know:

• Food allergies affect millions of children, with reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. 
• The “Top 9” allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame. 
• Even “safe” candy can be risky due to cross-contact or unlabeled mini versions. 

Going teal doesn’t mean “no candy at all”—it just means there’s a safe option for every child who knocks. You can offer both candy and non-food treats in separate bowls and let families choose.

Hosting? Make Your House the Hero of the Block

1) Set the Scene (Teal, But Make It Spooky)

• Place a teal pumpkin near your door or hang a teal sign that says:
  “Allergy-friendly options available—please ask!” 
• Add fun lighting (string lights, lanterns) so families see the sign easily and walkways stay well lit. 

2) Two-Bowl Strategy

Keep one bowl for traditional candy and one bowl for non-food treats. Label them clearly to avoid confusion and reduce cross-contact (candy dust can spread!).

3) Superstar Non-Food Treats

Mix and match from this crowd-pleasing list:

• Glow sticks, glow bracelets, LED finger lights 
• Temporary tattoos, stickers, stampers 
• Bouncy balls, fidget spinners, pop-its 
• Mini slinkies, plastic vampire teeth 
• Pencils, mini crayons, erasers, sharpeners 
• Bubble bottles, mini Play-Doh (check labels if needed) 
• Spider rings, Halloween-themed buttons 
• Mini notebooks, bookmarks, origami paper squares 
• Sidewalk chalk, yo-yos, kazoo/whistle (parents will… love you) 

Pro tip: Offer one item per child so supplies stretch longer. If you’re on a budget, buy variety packs or split a large set with a neighbor.

4) Avoid Sneaky Triggers

• Latex balloons or toys can be an issue for some children—skip them if possible. 
• If you’re painting faces, choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free paints and have hand wipes available. 

Trick-or-Treating With Food Allergies: A Simple Plan

Before You Go

• Eat first. Full bellies help kids resist nibbling on unknown treats. 
• Pack the essentials: epinephrine auto-injector(s), antihistamines if recommended by your doctor, a charged phone, hand wipes. 
• Set rules: No eating while out. Treats get sorted at home. 
• ID your team: If your child is comfortable, a teal pumpkin bag or teal bracelet can cue friendly neighbors. 

On the Route

• Spot the teal pumpkin. Start with clearly teal-friendly homes. 
• Skip if unsure. If something seems unlabeled or homemade, it’s okay to pass with a smile and a “Happy Halloween!” 

Back at Base (The “Candy Chemistry” Step)

• Create a “safe keep” pile. Pull out sealed, clearly labeled items your child tolerates. 
• Check mini labels. Fun-size candy often has different manufacturing lines than the full-size version. If there’s no ingredient list, consider it unknown. 
• Beware of “may contain” or “processed in a facility with…” Follow your child’s allergy action plan and your clinician’s guidance. 
• Trade & swap. Replace unsafe candy with safe snacks or let your child “sell” unsafe pieces for a small toy, book, or special outing.

Costume & Gear Safety (Because Capes Can Trip and Crowns Can Poke)

• Fit comes first. Hem long robes, secure capes, and choose shoes that actually stay on. 
• See & be seen. Add reflective tape or clip-on lights to costumes and bags. Equip kids with glow sticks (bonus: doubles as a non-food treat!). 
• Mask check. Masks can block vision; face paint is often safer. Patch test the paint on a small area in advance. 
• Weather-wise wardrobe. Layer under costumes for warmth; avoid overheating with breathable fabrics. 
• Comfy carry bags. Lightweight buckets or crossbody bags save tiny arms from heavy hauls. 

Street Smarts for Spooky Streets

• Lighting matters. Only cross at corners and crosswalks. Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers. 
• Group power. Younger kids should stay with adults; older ones go in groups with a defined route and curfew. 
• Phone rules. Heads up, phones down while crossing. 
• Pet etiquette. Not all dogs love costumes. Ask before approaching; give space. 

Sensory-Friendly Halloween Ideas

Trick-or-treating isn’t the only way. If your child is sensitive to noise, crowds, or surprises, try:

• Early-bird strolls before sunset for less bustle. 
• Neighborhood “treat stations” in a driveway with predictable lines. 
• Trunk-or-treat events—often well-lit with easy pacing. 
• Home swap party with friends using clearly labeled treats and plenty of non-food goodies. 
• Token games (ring toss, bean bag throw) where kids win small prizes instead of candy. 

Hosting an Allergy-Aware Halloween Party

The Menu (If You Serve Food)

• Keep it simple and label everything (“Apple slices—no dip”, “Popcorn—made with olive oil, no butter”). 
• Offer single-serve, sealed snacks when possible. 
• Avoid bowls where different snacks can mix. 
• Set a no-sharing rule for cups/plates. 

The Fun (Zero Food Needed)

• Costume runway + photo booth 
• DIY slime or foam clay (check ingredients) 
• Pumpkin decorating with stickers, yarn hair, googly eyes (skip peanuts or seeds) 
• Glow-in-the-dark dance break 
• Story corner with silly (not scary) reads 

The Setup

• Keep hand wipes handy. 
• Designate one table for any food and one for crafts/toys to reduce cross-contact. 
• Have an emergency plan posted: where epinephrine is stored, who calls 911, parent contact list. 

Talking to Kids About Allergy Safety (Without the Scares)

Keep the vibe positive and empowering:

• “We’re going to find lots of awesome non-food treats tonight.” 
• “We never eat treats until we check them under the bright lights at home.” 
• “If we’re not sure, we swap—it’s like treasure trading!” 

Role-play trick-or-treat lines and practice saying: “No thank you, I’m looking for a non-food treat please.” Kids love scripts!

For Neighbors: Five Ways to Be Extra Awesome

1. Put out a teal pumpkin (or print a teal sign). 
2. Separate bowls for candy and non-food items. 
3. Keep packaging sealed and avoid unlabeled bulk candy. 
4. Let kids choose. A simple “Would you like a toy or candy?” goes a long way. 
5. Use warm language. Try: “We’ve got allergy-friendly goodies here!” rather than “What are you allergic to?” 

What If…? Quick-Glance Answers

• A child asks what you have that’s safe. “I’ve got cool stickers, light-up rings, and bouncy balls!” 
• You’re out of non-food treats. Offer a small Halloween pencil or even a compliment + high-five token. Inclusion counts. 
• A child reacts. Stay calm. Follow the family’s lead, call 911 if requested or if symptoms are severe (trouble breathing, swelling, widespread hives), and keep the path clear for help. 

Sample Scripts & Signs You Can Use

 Front-Door Sign

Allergy-Friendly Stop!
Non-food treats available—just ask! Happy Halloween! 

 Candy Bowl Labels

• “Candy (may contain allergens)” 
• “Non-Food Treats (allergy-friendly)” 

Parent-to-Neighbor Note (if you’re comfortable)

“Hi! My kiddo has food allergies. If it’s easy, could you offer a non-food option—stickers, glow sticks, etc.? We appreciate you!”

Your Teal Pumpkin Shopping Checklist

• Teal pumpkin (real or plastic) or printed sign 
• Non-food treats (variety pack) 
• Two bowls, clearly labeled 
• Clip-on lights or lanterns for your porch 
• Hand wipes + small trash bin 
• Optional: teal wristbands or teal trick-or-treat bag for your child 

A Word on Label Reading (When You Do Keep Some Candy)

• Check every label, every time—even trusted brands can vary. 
• Be cautious with mini or fun-size versions; ingredients and facilities can differ from full-size. 
• Watch for statements like “may contain” or “processed in a facility with…” and follow your child’s allergy plan. 
• When in doubt, swap it out for toys or safe snacks. 

The Big Picture: Why Teal Matters

Halloween is about joy, imagination, and community. The teal pumpkin is a small gesture with a big message: every child belongs. And truly, most kids squeal just as loudly for a glow stick as they do for a chocolate bar. (Sometimes louder. Glow sticks are powerful.)

By planning ahead, choosing non-food treats, and setting clear safety routines, you’re giving your child (and your whole neighborhood) a Halloween full of confidence, kindness, and memory-making moments.

Final Takeaways (Pin These!)

• Teal means inclusion. Offer (or seek out) non-food treats. 
• Prep your crew. Eat first, carry meds, and sort at home. 
• Shine bright. Lights, reflective gear, and sensible shoes. 
• Labels matter. Fun-size isn’t always the same as full-size. 
• Celebrate your way. Trick-or-treat, trunk-or-treat, or host a toy-prize party—there’s no one “right” Halloween.

Have a safe, silly, teal-tastic Halloween!